Summary:Proxy is an action-packed introduction to a world like nothing readers have seen before, and it sets a spark to the powder keg that will explode in Mindee Arnett's sci-fi thriller Avalon.

If you need something stolen from any star system in the Confederation, you need look no further than the Shades. Jeth Seagrave and his band of teenage mercenaries have been making a name for themselves for being able to steal anything—and for disappearing before anyone is the wiser. Their latest job, a jewel heist on Grakkus, should be no different. But when Jeth's boss replaces a key member of his crew just before takeoff, and Jeth discovers a betrayal within his own ranks, he begins to suspect that not everyone is going to be coming back from his job alive.

Proxy is the prequel novella to Mindee Arnett's new sci-fi novel Avalon. This new space thriller is a great introduction to the the sci-fi world of Avalon and it's characters. There's plenty of action, snappy dialogue, and a pace that's warp-speed.

In Proxy we get to meet Jeth Seagrove, his younger sister Lizzie, and the rest of his crew, a group of ragtag teens with a knack for thievery, known as the Shades. These young mercenaries each have a special talent that they bring to group, and Mindee Arnett does a great job of giving each of them a unique voice and personality.

The story and action takes off immediately, this sci-fi thriller has no dull moments. I enjoyed learning about Jeth and the back-story behind the ship Avalon, the loss of his parents, and how he came to be working under the infamous crime lord Hammer Dafoe. I loved the immediately sense of camaraderie among the crew and their space adventures. It was fun having the story told through Jeth's point of view, and I was immediately drawn to his character. There's just something about being inside a male characters head, hearing their perspective on things that I find fascinating- especially when he's a young teen and the setting is a science fiction thriller.

I can't wait to read Mindee Arnett's novel Avalon and continue the story of Jeth and the Shades in Avalon. I gave this novella 3.5 stars. I liked the story and I'm totally excited for Avalon, but I had a hard time rating it any higher due to it's short length.